Real Talk with CJ: Dornell Crist Jr.

Dornell Crist, Jr., grew up in Palestine, Texas, and graduated from Palestine High School in 1987. He attended Sam Houston State University on a football scholarship and graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a minor in Criminal Justice.

He started his criminal justice career in 1992 as a deputy sheriff/jailer with the Walker County Sheriff’s Department. During his employment there, he received several commendations and letters of appreciation for service and was awarded officer of the year in 1995. In 1996, he began work in juvenile corrections at Gulf Coast Trades Center, where he served as job developer, juvenile parole officer, juvenile parole supervisor, and program manager.

In June 2003, after completing the Texas Game Warden Training Academy, he was stationed in Madison County, where he currently serves as a Texas Game Warden. His responsibility as a Texas Game Warden is the protection and preservation of the natural resources of the State of Texas. During his time as a Texas Game Warden, he has contributed to humanitarian efforts during hurricanes, provided TCLEOSE instruction to both Texas Game Wardens and Cadets, and been involved in several life-saving rescues.